Sharon Leah Lilly

Sharon Leah Lilly

November 26, 1943 – June 5, 2025

Sharon Leah Lilly was born on November 26, 1943, in Evansville, Indiana, to Willard Benson Brockett and Pauline Edwards Brockett.

At a young age, Sharon made the most important decision of her life: to follow Christ. As a shy and tender-hearted child attending Eastside Baptist Church in Evansville, she responded to the Gospel during a revival led by an evangelist magician. That day, led to the Lord by her mother—who was also her Sunday School teacher—Sharon began a life shaped by unwavering faith and quiet strength.

Even as a child, Sharon felt called to be a missionary. Hearing visiting missionaries speak and welcoming them into her home left a lasting impression that God would later use to direct her path.

On June 18, 1966, she married the love of her life, Larry E. Lilly. Together, they served as missionaries in Mexico for 55 years. Approved for the field in 1970, Sharon poured her heart into the people of Mexico, loving them deeply and faithfully ministering alongside her husband. Her greatest joy was not only in seeing souls saved but in witnessing others surrender their lives to God, just as she had.

Her life was marked by humility, courage, and deep devotion to her family and the Lord. She lived out her favorite verse—Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Sharon saw the world as a garden—something to nurture, love, and grow. No matter where they lived, she made a home full of warmth, peace, and joy. Her gentle spirit was a constant anchor for her family. Her words were always seasoned with wisdom, truth, and kindness. She also had a witty and wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing innocent pranks—always in fun, always in love, and always with a sparkle in her eye.

Even in her final battle with cancer, Sharon displayed incredible strength and grace. She showed us what it means to die in faith—steadfast, courageous, and full of hope. Through every moment of pain, she remained a quiet light, always trusting in the Lord.

Her husband, Larry, cared for her faithfully and tenderly, walking with her day and night through the hardest parts of her journey. Their love was unwavering—a testimony of commitment and grace.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Pauline Brockett. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Larry Lilly; her children, Michael Lilly and his wife, Jolie, Matthew Lilly and his wife, Annel, and Cristina Gonzalez-Lilly and her husband, Hector; her grandchildren, Jackson Lilly, Mikaela Lilly, Brendan Kroeger, Emma Kroeger, Nicole Crank and her husband, Devin, Timothy Gonzalez, Lilly Gonzalez, Samuel Lilly, Abigail Lilly, and Naomy Lilly; and her great-grandchildren, Aiden Crank and Mila Crank. She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Alice Workman, and her husband, Al, along with countless family members and friends whose lives were forever touched by her compassion, strength, and faith.

Sharon will be remembered as a woman who loved deeply, served faithfully, and walked humbly with her God. Her legacy lives on in the lives she helped shape and the hearts she held close.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in honor of Sharon to the Mexico Bible College (SBBM) in Cd. Mante, Tamps., Mexico, where she faithfully and lovingly served for 37 years.

Donations can be sent by check to:
BBFI Mission Office
PO Box 191
Springfield, MO 65801

Or given online at:
https://bbfimissions.com/missionary/larry-and-sharon-lilly

Please note on the memo line of either the check or the online donation:
"For the Mexico Bible College in honor of Sharon Lilly."

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